They will not miss calls like the ones from the first half in game 1. The Rockets would be foolish to commit unnecessary fouls on 3-point shooters after all the focus on that after game 1. Just play and show the world they won’t let the refs alter how they act on the court.
If that has to happen, so be it. It's much better than letting them win AND letting them get the narrative on their side. If we don't beat them, I hope whoever play them next will beat the heck out of them.
I’m not saying commit missed foul calls from Game 1, but if a situation like Game 1 is occurring in Game 2 then follow the refs example and play that way without complaining. Play the game on how it’s being called in that half. The problem is this isn’t playing to your game plan and also we won’t have situations where the game being called unfairly is that obvious as Game 1.
They should do this, not because it may gain them some respect (not), but it keeps them focused. They lose their temper and let the bad calls affect their play throughout the seasons.
The Rockets will never get respect unless they win. Smiling while getting screwed isn’t gonna do anything. The Warriors routinely berate the refs and Curry had the most disrespectful, shameful and childish display towards a ref I’ve seen since that one official got punched overseas. Call out bad officiating when it happens. And win.
I like this but this is actually what James did because they didn't call the contact fouls around the rim against the Warriors last year. All of the haters argued that Harden was creating the contact. It may wear him out but I would prefer him to go bully ball like you toward the basket and ram it home like he did on Donkey. Not only would it energize the team but if he goes HAM like Brodie in the paint it might ward them off from contesting as heavily.
I have no idea how the Rockets may play (if they will start going under shooters themselves) or if they will hit all their shots. But how they play and react towards the refs will tell me a lot of the mental makeup of this team. I always felt they were mentally stronger than the Warriors and this is going to be the best way to prove it.
